Murniece underlines significance of Rail Baltica project in conversation with Lithuanian president

RIGA - It is important to develop such essential infrastructure projects like Rail Baltica which connect our region, Saeima Speaker Inara Murniece (National Alliance) said today during a meeting with visiting Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.

As LETA was told at the Saeima press office, Murniece described Latvia and Lithuania as close partners and strategic allies engaged in dynamic political dialogue and busy economic exchange, as well as active cultural contacts.

We are NATO member states situated at the alliance’s eastern border and facing growing security challenges, the Saeima speaker said. Murniece and Nauseda were unanimous that the Baltic states must continue successful work on boosting the region’s security and that considerable progress has been achieved on issues concerning the energy sector, Murniece said.

“As small and likeminded countries, it is easier for us to protect our interests if we do it together. We are therefore interested in continuing constructive and pragmatic dialogue both in the Baltic Assembly and also in close cooperation with Nordic countries and Poland,” said Murniece.

The Saeima press office informed that the Latvian and Lithuanian officials praised successful economic cooperation - both countries are currently experiencing strong economic growth, and Lithuania is Latvia’s main trade partner. Murniece indicated that there are good preconditions for expanding business exchange, including on new technologies, innovation and ICT.